In Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, many farmers are now cultivating Nyota beans—a variety enriched with iron. This shift owes to the “Integration of Biofortified Crops in School Feeding Programs” project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation through AGRA, and supported by HarvestPlus. The project aims to increase awareness and create demand for Nyota beans by providing farmers with information that helps increase access to certified seeds and increase knowledge on production and nutrition to create opportunities for collective marketing.

Nathan Chejor, a 38-year-old farmer, is one of the many who have embraced this initiative. In 2024, Nathan planted 2.5 acres of Nyota beans and was thrilled with the germination results. Purchasing the seed from a local dealer saved him the trouble of traveling 400 kilometers to Nakuru to buy seed. “This season, I did not have to go far. I bought my seeds right here at Kapkayo, my local market, through the Delish and Nutri Company’s bundled contract,” Nathan explained. Looking at his flourishing field, he proudly stated, “When I get to the market, I will not have to compete with sellers who mix their beans.” Facilitating access to locally available certified seeds can help improve yields for farmers who otherwise rely on planting saved grain.

Many farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet, like Nathan, are rapidly adopting better farming practices, including the use of certified seeds to boost their yield and profitability, thanks to the production skills imparted by HarvestPlus under the project. Though they farm individually, they work together to access essential farming inputs, extension services, and marketing opportunities – Nathan has mobilized them into a Nyota beans farmer production and marketing group.

A short distance from Nathan’s farm, we met Mercy, another farmer who has planted 0.75 acres of Nyota beans. She shared that she learned about the certified bean seed from the project and decided to switch from using mixed grains as seed. “I do not regret it,” she said with a smile, “the crop is doing really well.” Mercy also mentioned that she has signed a buying contract with Delish and Nutri Co., ensuring a secure market for her harvest.

By July 2024, Nathan’s farming group in Keiyo South aims to cultivate 100 acres of Nyota beans, with a target of selling 30 metric tons to local schools. This could bring in an estimated USD 33,000 for the group. The Keiyo South farmers’ success aligns with the goals of Kenya’s home-grown school feeding program, which not only provides nutritious, locally grown food to students but also generates income for farmers and other actors in the value chain. The approach eases the challenges associated with aggregating small quantities of grain and creates business opportunities for young farmers while enabling schools to easily procure nutritious grain.

In 2024 alone, over 200,000 students in Kenya were introduced to biofortified Nyota beans thanks to the “Integration of Biofortified Crops in School Feeding Programs” project, and the number continues to rise.